On March 4, Tunisia opened the first hearing in the high-profile “conspiracy against state security” trial, following two years of investigations.
Forty defendants, including political figures, activists, lawyers, and public personalities, are accused of plotting to overthrow President Kais Saied’s government and face charges of conspiracy against internal and external state security and terrorism. If convicted, they risk severe sentences, including the death penalty.
Authorities have imposed a media blackout on the case. The trial is being held remotely via videoconference under Article 141 bis of the Penal Procedure Code, originally introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic and never repealed since then. Despite requiring the defendants’ consent for remote trials, the court invoked “imminent danger” as justification, without detailed explanation. Most detained defendants refused to participate by video, including prominent opposition figures Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, Issam Chebbi, Abdelhamid Jelassi, and Khayam Turki.
Human Rights Watch reviewed the 140-page investigative report and questioned the credibility of the evidence. Defense teams argue the remote proceedings and the ban on media coverage undermine the right to a fair trial.
This case occurs alongside broader prosecutions targeting critics, journalists, and activists Under the “Decree 54”. Despite international criticism, Tunisian authorities maintain that all prosecutions are lawful and unrelated to political activities.